Tunnock's to expand Lanarkshire factory amid global sales boom

BISCUIT giants Tunnock's have unveiled plans for a multi-million pound extension to their factory amid a worldwide sales boom for their treats.

Workers pack teacakes at the Tunnocks factory at Uddingston, Lanarkshire. Picture: Robert Perry

The company, run by 82-year-old Boyd Tunnock, plan to add a new wing to their massive landmark plant in Uddingston, Lanarkshire, adding a further 30 jobs to the current 532 strong payroll.

The new three-storey extension will house production equipment and help boost the numbers of their famous treats such as caramel wafers, snowballs and teacakes.

But some locals have been left furious at the plans which they claim will cause traffic problems and spark clashes with Tunnock’s staff.

Tunnock's unveil multi-million pound plans for factory expansion. Picture: TSPL

Letters of objection to the plans have been sent to planners by furious residents whose properties border the site.

Leanne Arneil claimed she had already clashed with Tunnock’s staff over parking and noise.

She said: “I have already complained to the factory and the council about how their workers park on my street day in, day out, with absolutely no regard to residents.

Tunnock's unveil multi-million pound plans for factory expansion. Picture: TSPL

“I have had altercations with many of them for their blatant disregard and disrespect for habitants of the street.

“To extend the factory will have a devastating effect on this alone, not to mention the loss of light, loss of privacy and road safety issues that I and others are dealing with.

“I already have a view of a steel fence, chimneys and an unsightly wall from Tunnock’s without them raising their platform and completely blocking out sunlight from my property.”

She added: “To expand this is simply ludicrous and detrimental to the neighbourhood.”

Kirstie McKillop said: “We struggle to park already because of the factory and the noise can be annoying as well.

“I feel allowing the extension to go-ahead will just make parking even worse.”

Plans have been submitted to South Lanarkshire Council revealing details of the extension with councillors due to make a decision in due course.

Tunnock’s said: “The current proposal is to extend Tunnock’s existing bakery in central Uddingston to the rear, to create 1,900 m² of additional space over two floors to accommodate new production equipment and increased production of existing product ranges.

“This proposal will future proof the present factory to accommodate increased worldwide demand for Tunnock’s products.

“The effect of the proposed extension is to allow new and improved equipment to be installed.

“This additional investment of several million pounds into the existing bakery premises will additionally safeguard current employment on the site.

“It is expected that 30 new jobs will also be created as a result of the proposed extension, and these will be created on the night shift.”

Tunnock’s was established in 1890 and the factory has been on the current site for more than 50 years.

The factory is a local landmark and is linked to the nearby Tunnock’s tearoom and attracts numerous visitors.

Organised tours of the factory are booked out more than 12 months ahead.

Earlier this year Tunnock’s revealed sales of their tea cakes rocketed by 10 per cent after hardline Scottish nationalists called for a boycott of the treats.

Adverts for the iconic snacks appeared on the London Underground at the beginning of the year featuring the words “Great British Tea Cake”.

This led extreme Scottish nationalists to stage a protest outside the company’s HQ- and to call for a “boycott” of their tea cakes.

But the campaign backfired spectacularly, with Tunnock’s revealing sales had soared following the controversy.

A spokesman for Tunnock’s declined to comment further.

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